Susan Fortunato, 63

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Longtime Staten Islander Susan Fortunato, 63, of West Brighton, who was devoted to her family, friends and co-workers, died Sunday in Richmond University Medical Center, in West Brighton, after a battle with cancer.

Born Susan Rossi in Woodside, Queens, she also lived in Brooklyn before moving to Staten Island 30 years ago.

Over the last 40 years, Ms. Fortunato was a waitress for many Island restaurants, including Beefsteak Charlie's, Perkins, and Charlie Brown's.

She was well known for her feisty and colorful personality. But she also had a maternal nature, which made her a favorite among her younger co-workers.

In her leisure time, she loved to bowl, paint, swim, and cook her famous meatballs.

Surviving are her longtime companion, James Sica; her son, Rocco Fortunato; her daughter, Deanna Tedesco; her brother, Jerry Rossi, and five grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Raccuglia & Son Funeral Home, Brooklyn. Arrangements include cremation.